Changes in gene expression of granulocytes during in vivo G-CSF/dexamethasone mobilization.

Treatment of healthy donors with G-CSF and dexamethasone, results in sufficient number of circulating granulocytes to prepare granulocyte concentrates for clinical purposes. Granulocytes obtained this way demonstrate relatively normal functional behavior combined with a prolonged life span. To study the influence of mobilizing agents on granulocytes, we used oligonucleotide microarrays to identify genes that are differentially expressed in mobilized granulocytes as compared to control ones. Keywords: mobilized granulocytes, G-CSF/dexamethasone treated granulocytes Granulocytes were isolated from three individuals before (control situation) and 18 hours after treatment with G-CSF&dexamethasone; part of the control cells was cultured overnight in HBSS medium with or without addition of G-CSF and dexamethasone. Total RNA from each experimental condition was compared to pooled RNA of control granulocytes.